Thursday’s Top Stories
- Sandia National Labs reports record-breaking economic impact in 2024
- Rail Runner adding additional service during legislative session
- New U-Haul data shows drop in number of people moving to New Mexico
- APD adding police service aides to bike patrols
- Albuquerque leaders discuss funding requests for upcoming legislative session
- AFR reports decrease in ‘significant working structure fires’
- Thousands of homes burn in Los Angeles wildfires
- Scientists drill nearly 2 miles down to pull 1.2 million-year-old ice core from Antarctic
Thursday’s Five Facts
[1] Albuquerque police bolsters efforts to combat human trafficking across the metro – Albuquerque police are detailing their efforts to fight human trafficking. The department’s high risk victim’s unit has conducted multiple sting operations that have led to the arrests of 40 people since September, including two high profile arrests last week. APD arrested 21-year-old Tajahnae Maryann Johnson and 25-year-old Roderick Norseweather for trafficking minors along Central.
[2] AFR crew and firefighters around the state heading out to fight California wildfires – In response to California’s request to bolster firefighting resources, firefighters from around New Mexico are set to help fight those wildfires. This morning Engine 317, with a crew of four, is setting out to Los Angeles County with the ability to pump 150 gallons a minute. AFR’s Type Three Brush Truck is one of five that will make up two “strike teams” of 25 firefighters headed out to fight the fires. Crews from Bernalillo, San Juan and Los Alamos Counties as well as the city of Santa Fe will man the trucks.
[3] More snow falls across New Mexico Thursday -Widespread snowfall will develop Thursday morning across southern and eastern New Mexico as a cold front moves in from the northeast and another storm system moves into the state. A few flurries will be possible in the Albuquerque Metro Thursday morning, then light mix of rain and snow will be possible in the afternoon. Conditions will improve by Friday afternoon and warmer weather returns on Saturday.
[4] Albuquerque traffic lights: How long should you be waiting? – The city of Albuquerque maintains hundreds of traffic lights, and they’re all controlled from their real time monitoring center where two dispatchers monitor up to 400 cameras. The city says your typical wait time at a normal light should be less than two minutes. They say the longest wait time in the metro is Coors and Paseo Del Norte, at two and a half minutes.
[5] ABQ BioPark aids conservation efforts for endangered freshwater species – The Albuquerque BioPark is stepping in to help slow the rate of extinction of millions of freshwater animals. A recent study found that one quarter of freshwater animals are at risk of distinction. Tim Lyons co-authored the study and said even though the government recognizes the declining habitats, there needs to be action.To see New Mexico’s freshwater species, you can go to the BioPark and check out the Rio Grande silvery minnow, the pupfish, and rare Mexican splitfin.